Looking to secure a solid bullpen that withered under pressure during the regular season, the Cubs have re-signed John Grabow to a two-year, $7.5 million deal.
Per the Chicago Tribune:
The 31-year-old reliever will be their primary left-handed setup man and is expected to be the leader of a relatively young bullpen he, Carlos Marmol and Angel Guzman will anchor.
Grabow, who called his decision to stay a “no-brainer,” professes to be ready for the challenge.
“The baseball season will bring you down to your knees more than once every year,” he said. “You have to be tough mentally. You just have to roll with it and have quick memories. That’s something I can help this team with, with the younger guys.”
General manager Jim Hendry said he acquired Grabow from the Pirates in July with the idea of bringing him back, and was “thrilled” Grabow was eager to stay. Grabow said his bone chip issues in his left elbow aren’t a concern.
Reports are calling Grabow a “veteran,” touting his wealth of knowledge and experience. Come on — the 31 year-old has only been in the league since 2003. With Grabow, Carlos Marmol, Sean Marshall, Angel Guzman, and the newly acquired Scott Maine in the bullpen, the Cubs are a long way from becoming a shut down team late in the game.
I’m surprised Cubs GM Jim Hendry was willing to dish out $7.5 million to Grabow. A former Pittsburgh Pirate, Grabow had only been worth $5.3 million over his entire career. The Cubs could do much worse, but this money should have been spent elsewhere. Although Grabow’s ERA is attractive (3.38 last season), he walks far too many batters and won’t supply the confidence the team is lacking.
